Mai gained 20 kg in one year. She had attempted weight loss by cutting carbohydrates, skipping dinner, and eating only one meal a day, but these methods proved ineffective. Upon arriving at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, Mai was 1.59 m tall and weighed 94 kg, categorizing her as grade two obese with high body and visceral fat percentages. Doctor Le Ba Ngoc noted that despite her young age of 21, Mai suffered from numerous conditions caused by uncontrolled eating and prolonged inactivity, which led to rapid visceral fat accumulation and systemic metabolic disorder.

Mai underwent an Inbody assessment to evaluate her overweight status. *Photo: Hospital provided*

According to Doctor Ngoc, many individuals attempt weight loss through methods like skipping meals, extended fasting, or "detox" cleanses. These approaches often trigger metabolic disturbances, causing rapid weight loss followed by an increase that can exceed the initial weight. Prolonged psychological stress further complicates treatment adherence, potentially worsening the patient's condition.

Faced with this complex health situation, Mai received a personalized treatment plan. Doctors combined injectable weight loss medication with a controlled diet and exercise regimen. The primary goals were to reduce visceral fat, improve metabolic disorders, achieve safe weight loss, and enhance insulin sensitivity while controlling blood sugar and fatty liver.

Mai's daily diet was set at approximately 2,000 kcal, calculated based on her target weight. Her meal plan restricted refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, and fried foods. Instead, it emphasized lean protein from fish, meat, eggs, and low-fat dairy products to preserve muscle mass. She prioritized green vegetables, low-sugar fruits, and fiber, which helped manage blood sugar, reduce visceral fat, and improve liver fat levels.

Due to her initial limited physical capacity, Mai began with gentle exercises such as walking and stationary cycling for about 30 minutes daily. Her exercise duration gradually increased to approximately 60 minutes, incorporating endurance and resistance training to maintain muscle mass. After three months, Mai lost nearly 16 kg, bringing her body mass index close to the threshold for grade one obesity. Her visceral fat decreased by 74 cm², and her body fat percentage dropped to about 40%. Additionally, her fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, liver enzymes, and uric acid levels all showed improvement.

Doctor Ngoc advises young people to adopt scientific eating habits and healthy lifestyles to control their weight and prevent obesity. Unhealthy lifestyles and extreme weight loss methods can accelerate the progression of obesity, increasing the risk of chronic diseases from early adulthood. Early detection and proper treatment of obesity facilitate safe weight loss and long-term health protection.

Ha Nhung

*Patient's name has been changed